Rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm as competitors in Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge took part in the traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day races in wet and slippery conditions.
In Bradford on Avon, 15 runners from local businesses lined up on the town bridge for the 11am start of the beloved annual race.
The pancake race in Bradford on Avon is believed to be one of the oldest in Wiltshire and other races were staged in Trowbridge and Salisbury.
Each runner races over the bridge and back – stopping in the middle to flip their pancake and trying not to drop them on the ground which risks disqualification.
As the cheering crowds have come to expect, the fancy dress did not disappoint – and this year’s race saw runners dressed as Mario characters, chefs, bananas, cows and monkeys.
When the race was over, it was Redvers Daborn, of Dental Care Bradford on Avon, who finished first to claim the winner's bragging rights and the frying pan trophy.
A spokesperson for the organisers, Bradford on Avon Town Council, said: “A massive congratulations goes out to Dental Care Bradford on Avon for beating the competition.
“Dental Care will now join past years’ winners on the illustrious frying pan trophy.”
In Trowbridge, organisers, Active Trowbridge, banned competitors from running in the wet and slippery conditions in Fore Street where the races were held.
Instead, those taking part were restricted to a brisk walk while trying to flip their pancakes as fast as they could manage.
Watched by Trowbridge mayor, Cllr Stephen Cooper, children and adult teams took part in the traditional annual event.
The mayor even had half of his beard shaved off by a local Turkish barber Iberen from Head Zone to raise funds for his chosen mayoral charities: Stepping Stones Specialist District Centre children's nursery and the Trowbridge Future charity.
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Cllr Stewart Palmen, the Trowbridge Town Council leader, also took part and managed to get some pancake flipping practice in before the races began.
The competitors also included a team of ten workers from Stone Developments who climbed down from their scaffolding to take part.
The workers are currently helping to redevelop the former Knees retail department store into three retail shops with residential flats above.
Aby Cooper, of Active Trowbridge, said: “Despite the rain, the annual Trowbridge pancake race proceeded successfully with a large number of participants and spectators.
“Mayor Councillor Stephen Cooper, Rose the Mayoral Cadet, and our Town Crier Trevor Heeks kicked off the event.
“Sugar and Slice provided delicious cakes and hot drinks throughout the morning and even took part in some races!
“The first race featured Bumpers Nursery from Baloo’s, with the crowd cheering and smiling all around.
“Following that, Goodson Lodge’s staff and residents, who attend every year, took to the track.
“After these dedicated races, the main annual races began. This year, we were fortunate to have two children’s races because of the half-term break.
“Stone Developments then organised employees to take part in another dedicated race. All ten employees flipped their pancakes down Fore Street.
“The subsequent race pinned businesses up against each other. Stone Developments, Tesco, and Valeroso Lounge went head-to-head. Valeroso secured all the top spots.”
She added: “Thanks to the Trowbridge Lions for providing stewards, Head Zone, and all the racers—you were flipping egg-cellent!”
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